Cafe Cosecha: Parque Colosio

Cerro de San Felipe, about 10,500', my favorite mountain in Mexico

Parque Colosio

Mexico is a country full of parks, plazas and zocolos. In the typical Oaxacan park- lovers lay, bodies entangled, on the grass, a bench, or simply stretched out on the hard green cantera, eyes locked in passion. Vendors stroll about, their wares hang from their chests, musicians circulate, a far off accordion can be heard, and the smell of boiling corn and chili warm your appetite. I love Mexican parks. They are different from my small-town American conception of what a park is. A park, to me, is where there are jungle gyms and swings, the focus being entirely on the kids, not a social gathering point for all ages. In Mexico everyone uses the parks.

As you get to know Oaxaca, you start to know her various, wonderful parks; the zocolo, el llano, parque conzatti, cerro del fortin and many more. When I moved to el barrio de San Felipe del Agua, I discovered my new favorite park, parque Colosio.

Parque Colosio is closer to my American conception of a park. This is a place to let the kids go wild! Relatively unknown to the backpackers and tourists, actually relatively unknown to many in Oaxaca, it is an absolutely beautiful, well kept, unique, peaceful place to go. Especially conducive to those with kids or those who want to exercise. Parque Colosio is a pretty park in a very pretty neighborhood.

What surprises me about Colosio is that it always feels empty. It is most crowded in the early morning when the locals take advantage of the pleasant gravel walking paths that covers the circumference of the park. But even during peak hours it feels open and private in comparison to the bustling city below.

     For the athlete, there are permanently installed exercise equipment- pull up bars, sit-up benches, and a gravel path with a nice incline to get your heart pumping. It is nice change to run on dirt rather then cement or cobblestone. There is a big baseball field over looking the city, a small but nice soccer field, and two mini basketball courts. For kids there are slides, jungle gyms and swinging rings. There is even a library full of wonderful children's books and many cool toys available! For lovers, lots of hidden corners so that public displays of affection are a little more private.

The views from the park are spectacular; to the north the cerro de San Felipe, to the south the busy valley below.

To get to Parque Colosio you have to take the bus up to San Felipe del Agua, (the bus says san felipe del agua) which runs frequently from Pinos Suarez. The bus will wind its way up the cobblestone streets to San Felipe. Get off at the iglesia, the church, (well close to it, you can't see it from the bus, you have to ask) and then it is a short walk (four or five blocks from there). Don't be afraid to ask the friendly San Felipians which direction the Parque Colosio is. A taxi from the center should cost around 50 pesos if you prefer a speedy cab. The parks hours are 8am-8pm and there is always a security guard present.

Check out an Article I wrote on an Oaxacan alternative to the temezcal: http://hubpages.com/hub/Mexican-Steam-Room-El-Vapor

Or on how to really learn a foreign language: http://hubpages.com/hub/Language-and-Love-Advice-On-How-To-Really-Learn-A-Foreign-Language